The Craig Berube era is half a season in the books, giving us a chance to reflect on the journey so far. With the Leafs sitting near the top of the league’s standings there have clearly been many positives, but for the Leafs things are hardly ever so simple. Assigning grades is hardly straightforward either, as contribution and expectation must be weighed. Of course, the most important tests are yet to come.
Let’s take a look at how things have gone so far with some midseason report cards.
Forwards
Over the years the Leafs forward group has been criticized for being top heavy. To some extent this is inevitable, given the percentage of the cap the core four take up. One might expect that in this, likely their most expensive season past or future, the depth might be an even bigger issue. Somehow, the Leafs have managed to compile a strong secondary group that complements their top players. Needless to say, some players will be held to higher standards than others in this exercise.
Big three
Matthews: B
Undeniably the Leafs best player, when Auston Matthews is on the ice he is having a large impact on the game. From that perspective he deserves a high grade. When we look back at his career, however, this will likely stand out as an underwhelming season. Clearly dealing with injury, Matthews has not played his best when in the lineup. Still, the far bigger issue is his time out of the lineup, as injuries have robbed him of roughly a third of the games so far. It has been a down season for Matthews, but he has the talent to drive the Leafs to success if he can come into form in the spring.
Marner: A
In a contract year, Mitch Marner has been his regular spectacular self. All signs point to a contract extension being the Leafs goal, and with the salary cap expected to make big jumps in the years ahead it might be difficult to overpay him on such a deal. Factions of Leafs Nation will be polarized one way or another, and he is not a perfect player, but Marner has delivered the exact high-quality play expected of him. The challenge to take on a bigger role with Matthews hobbled has been met so far. Of course, the biggest tests still lie ahead.
Nylander: A
Likewise, William Nylander has shone just as bright without Matthews in the lineup. Like Marner, Nylander is delivering to the high standards he commands. Near the top of the goal-scoring leaderboard, fans should feel great that Nylander is locked up for seven more seasons after this, and that his cap percentage will fall as the league ceiling rises.
The beef
Tavares: A
Having a resurgent season, the amulet seems to be working for John Tavares. There are plenty of methods that athletes use to fine-tune their bodies, but at the very least the placebo effect is real. Alternatively, the weight of the captaincy now rests on someone else’s back. Regardless, Tavares is having a fantastic season. His upcoming contract should be interesting, and will still involve a pay cut, but a point per game season is outstanding for the 34-year-old.
Knies: B+
Matthew Knies is coming into his own. Through his first full season Knies showed flashes, which have now become more regular. There is still room for more in the years ahead, in terms of both quality and consistency. The fanfare of the early season has died down a bit, but Knies will still command a big raise on his next deal. At the very least, developing a second round pick into a legitimate top-six power winger is great work by Knies and the Leafs.
Pacioretty: A
An unexpected revitalization, Max Pacioretty has become a core piece of this season’s team. Big, strong, skilled, and mean, Pacioretty is a key reason to hope that this season’s Leafs are better last. Concerns about so much of the Leafs being on the older side might worry a long-term view, but the Leafs can only play one season at a time. Pacioretty has been a good story, and fans should enjoy the ride while it’s still running.
Domi: B
Max Domi has been consistent despite his inconsistent deployment, an offensive Swiss Army knife for Berube. While not as slow a start as last season, Domi often saves his best for warmer weather and higher stakes. Perhaps he will never settle down into a consistent place in the lineup, which has been the case on a line with McMann and Robertson, but Domi is only ever a hot month away from being among the most popular Leafs of the moment.
McMann: B+
While not a Leafs draft choice, Bobby McMann is a feather in the cap of the Leafs scouting and development infrastructure all the same. This season he has proved that his rise to prominence was no fluke. He might not have the skill or pedigree of fellow power wingers Knies or Pacioretty will or did in their primes, but McMann is capable of being just as impactful on a night-to-night basis. Berube has kept his spurs on McMann, and his lack of special teams usage limits his overall impact, but McMann can pinch-hit higher in the lineup at even strength.
Role players
Kampf: B-
Faceoffs, defence, penalty killing. David Kampf has had to pinch up the lineup, but a slam dunk fourth line centre is a nice luxury. He has been capable up in the lineup, and the Leafs need for centre depth means even that is appreciated.
Holmberg: C
Pontus Holmberg has still struggled finding a consistent place in the lineup, but remains a versatile option. A pending RFA, Holmberg will likely remain a value in such a role. The time to hope for more is wearing thin.
Robertson: C+
Coming off of a hot preseason, Nicholas Robertson could not continue his success into the regular season. A trade request might have been off-putting for some, but he is still a reasonable rotational scorer. Like with Holmberg there is skill but not yet enough to overcome a lack of size. At the very least he has made good on his opportunity to play with Domi, a talented playmaker to help unlock his scoring.
Lorentz: B
Defying the odds as a PTO, Steven Lorentz has been a fantastic fourth-line addition. While not a threat to push much higher in the lineup, Lorentz embraces this role for his hometown team.
Reaves: C
Ryan Reaves has played and has not been a complete liability, now in year two of a surprising three year deal. There are still some decent moments, and situationally he has his uses, but ultimately he is what he is. Still, he has done enough that his contract will not be a topic of conversation. This might be as much as could have been asked for.
Dewar: C
Connor Dewar might deserve higher grade, an undersized but determined checking forward. His underdog stature and pedigree make him a likeable depth player. Still, he has missed most of the games so far.
Temps
Minten: B+
One of the Leafs best and most important prospects, Fraser Minten did well to earn some NHL games for a second season in a row. Still, he is not ready for full time NHL action, but his arrival now seems inevitable. Like with Knies it might take some NHL experience before Minten is truly at his best, but his skills are a great fit to the Leafs core, rounding out the lineups variety of talents. Soon.
Grebenkin: B+
A less heralded prospect, Nikita Grebenkin endeared himself with strong play and positive attitude. He has had success in the KHL, and is showing well as an AHL rookie. His size and play style will have many pencilling him into Berube’s lineup for next season, but the Leafs might still take advantage of his waiver-exempt status while they can.
Steeves: C
One of the Toronto Marlies best players the past few seasons, Steeves might be running out of time to make the jump to NHL regular. There is a lot to like about his game, clearly some offence, a straightforward approach, a willingness to battle. Still, it might not be enough to make the Leafs. Perhaps a team with less depth might take a chance one day, and no player should be written off completely.
Defence
Lacking a true Norris Trophy candidate, the Leafs blueline can only garner so much league-wide respect. It should be a goal to acquire and develop such a player, but the chances are slim. Still, the Leafs have as deep a blueline as ever during the cap era, and the group is worth celebrating.
Top four
Tanev: A
The headlining addition of the offseason, Chris Tanev is every bit as advertised. A rare defensive talent, Tanev is more than a battering ram. A steady passer who can navigate pressure and make simple, effective plays, Tanev is exactly what the Leafs have been missing as a top four, defensive, right shot. While his age might concern the future, he is playing some of his best hockey, and Leaf fans are learning exactly what fans of the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Dallas Stars have come to know prior.
McCabe: A
Jake McCabe had only been on weaker teams as an NHLer, and his game is flourishing within a stronger blueline. A well rounded player, McCabe can handle nearly every situation and personifies toughness. His pairing with Tanev, who always brings the best out of his defence partners, has been a revelation as a shutdown force unlike the Leafs have known in the salary cap era.
Rielly: B+
The longest-tenured Leaf, Morgan Rielly has his doubters. His cap hit being highest among Leafs blueliners puts a target on him, as does his defensive impact among his peers in this top four. Many stats can be cherry-picked to paint an ugly picture, a trend now years long. Still, Rielly is a really good player, and has routinely played his best when it matters most. One or two million dollars less against the cap might be ideal, but that is not enough to lose sight of what he brings to this team.
Ekman-Larsson: B+
Another veteran UFA signing, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has continued his excellent late career play. After reviving his career with the Florida Panthers, Ekman-Larsson has been an effective two-way force that can play both sides of the ice. With the Leafs shortage of right shots, this is extremely valuable. While the ultimate plan might be to have Ekman-Larsson further down the lineup, he is a huge part of this blueline’s strength.
Depth
Timmins: B+
Conor Timmins was thought to be a goner after Timothy Liljegren signed his deal this past summer. It was not long after training camp began that Timmins had won the spot, and he might even be able to continue his upward trend. Health has often eluded him, but Timmins is starting to push for a bigger role. The offensive skills are obvious, even if opportunities have been hard to come by, but a stronger defensive profile is emerging. If Timmins can continue his work, he could be a vital x-factor in the Leafs long-term outlook.
Benoit: B-
Simon Benoit was surprising last season, and has lived up to it this year. He does fit the archetypal Berube third pairing stopper, and appears more comfortable in his role this season. Of course, he is a limited player, but he plays an important role nonetheless.
Myers: B
Philippe Myers was clearly a backup plan, having spent most of the past few seasons in the AHL. Still, he has held his own while in the lineup, especially useful as a right shot. There are tools to be more, but at this point Myers is delivering as a fantastic rotational option. It is great news to have him signed to an extension for the two seasons after this one.
Hakanpaa: D
Jani Hakanpaa has played only two games, injured all summer and now again. It is unfortunate that his health has failed him, underscoring how important adding Myers was for the Leafs.
Goalies
For much of the season the limelight has belonged to the Leafs goalies. A lot has gone well, but there have been some hiccups, particularly on the injury front.
Stolarz: A
One of the brightest surprises of the year has been Anthony Stolarz. After a handful of seasons playing well as an afterthought, stuck between more experienced goalies and more heralded prospects, Stolarz has proved his strong play was no mirage. The only issue is his injury, unfortunately not the first time such an issue has held him back. Stolarz was a fantastic signing for the Leafs, and should be back this season. The role of playoff starter might be a contentious issue, but the implied health would be welcomed regardless.
Woll: B+
Joseph Woll has not shone quite as bright as Stolarz, and has dealt with injury himself. There is legitimate reason to fret about availability, but both goalies could help each other get rest while each sets new career highs for games played. Woll is on pace to set a career-high in minutes and has looked good in the process. Even if he is not ultimately named the playoff starter, this would still be a good season for Woll.
Hildeby: B+
Coming off a strong season in the AHL, Dennis Hildeby has continued his progression. While not yet ready for regular NHL action, Hildeby is trending towards that. Between him and fellow prospect Artur Akhtyamov, who is excelling as an AHL rookie, the Leafs have some help on the horizon. This is especially good behind the Leafs excellent but injury prone tandem.
Murray: B-
Perhaps the ideal stopgap between the NHL and AHL tandems, Matt Murray is as good a third-string goalie as an NHL team could hope for. Though injury-prone himself, Murray can get the Leafs out of sticky situations and has an unusual level of experience for a third-string. In a worst-case scenario, this experience is at least a nice contrast from the raw upside that Hildeby and Akhtyamov offer.
